ai4bharat/Pralekha huggingface dataset:
Ministry of Science & Technology
Indian Initiative to Fight COVID-19, Enhancing Natural Defense
 has decided to develop/repurpose an approved immunomodulator, Sepsivac®, to enhance innate immunity of the body to limit the spread of COVID-19 and fasten the recovery of the patients of COVID-19
New clinical trials are now approved by the Drugs Controller General of India 
They will be randomized, double-blind, two-arm, controlled clinical trials
These two clinical trials are in addition to the recently announced trial on evaluating the efficacy of the drug for reducing mortality  in critically ill COVID-19 patient
Natural defense mechanism of the body  plays a key role in the fight against COVID-19 and other viral infections. It is a fast, first and efficient immune response for identifying and eliminating COVID-19 and other viruses. The majority of persons coming in contact with COVID-19 or other viruses either do not get the disease or get a milder form of the self-limiting disease as Innate immunity is adequate. Cells of human immune system like Macrophages, NK cells offer such protection. While the world is working towards developing vaccines and antiviral agents for the management of COVID-19, the Council of Scientific and Industrial Research  has decided to develop/repurpose an approved immunomodulator, Sepsivac®, to enhance innate immunity of the body to limit the spread of COVID-19 and fasten the recovery of the patients of COVID-19, through its flagship New Millennium Indian Technology Leadership Initiative  program.
Sepsivac® is expected--
1. to protect the close contacts of COVID-19 patients and health care staff by boosting their innate response and thereby preventing them from acquiring the disease.
2. to provide quicker recovery to the hospitalized COVID-19 patients, who are not critically ill. It will also prevent the progression of disease wherein patients will need ICU management.
Both these new clinical trials are now approved by the Drugs Controller General of India . They will be randomized, double-blind, two-arm, controlled clinical trials. These two clinical trials are in addition to the recently announced trial on evaluating the efficacy of the drug for reducing mortality  in critically ill COVID-19 patient.
Sepsivac® contains heat-killed Mycobacterium W . It is found to be extremely safe in patients and no systemic side effects are associated with its use. Sepsivac® was also developed under the NMITLI program of CSIR and is manufactured by Cadila Pharmaceuticals Ltd., Ahmedabad.
Prime Minister's Office
President of the 77th Session of United Nations General Assembly H.E. Mr. Csaba Korosi calls on PM Narendra Modi
Mr. Csaba Korosi lauds India’s transformational initiatives for communities, including in the area of water resource management and conservation
Mr. Csaba Korosi speaks about the importance of India being at the forefront of efforts to reform global institutions
PM appreciates PGA’s approach based on science and technology to find solutions to global problems
PM emphasises the importance of reforming the multilateral system, including the UN Security Council, so as to truly reflect contemporary geopolitical realities
The President of the 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly , H.E. Mr. Csaba Korosi called on Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi today.
During the meeting, Mr. Csaba Korosi lauded India’s transformational initiatives for communities, including in the area of water resource management and conservation. Acknowledging India’s efforts towards Reformed Multilateralism, Mr. Csaba Korosi underscored the importance of India being at the forefront of efforts to reform global institutions.
Prime Minister thanked Mr. Csaba Korosi for making India his first bilateral visit since assuming office. He appreciated Mr. Csaba Korosi’s approach based on science and technology to find solutions to global problems. He assured Mr. Csaba Korosi of India’s fullest support to his Presidency initiatives during the 77th UNGA including the UN 2023 Water Conference.
Prime Minister emphasised the importance of reforming the multilateral system, including the UN Security Council, so as to truly reflect contemporary geopolitical realities.
Ministry of Corporate Affairs
Insolvency Law Committee submits its 2nd Report on Cross Border Insolvency
Recommends adoption of the UNCITRAL Model Law of Cross Border Insolvency, 1997
The Insolvency Law Committee  constituted by the Ministry of Corporate Affairs to recommend amendments to Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code of India, 2016, has submitted its 2nd Report to the Government, which deals with cross border insolvency. The Report was handed over today to Shri Arun Jaitley, Minister of Finance and Corporate Affairs by Corporate Affairs Secretary, Shri Injeti Srinivas.
The ILC has recommended the adoption of the UNCITRAL Model Law of Cross Border Insolvency, 1997, as it provides for a comprehensive framework to deal with cross border insolvency issues. The Committee has also recommended a few carve outs to ensure that there is no inconsistency between the domestic insolvency framework and the proposed Cross Border Insolvency Framework.
The UNCITRAL Model Law has been adopted in as many as 44 countries and, therefore, forms part of international best practices in dealing with cross border insolvency issues. The advantages of the model law are the precedence given to domestic proceedings and protection of public interest. The other advantages include greater confidence generation among foreign investors, adequate flexibility for seamless integration with the domestic Insolvency Law and a robust mechanism for international cooperation.
The model law deals with four major principles of cross-border insolvency, namely direct access to foreign insolvency professionals and foreign creditors to participate in or commence domestic insolvency proceedings against a defaulting debtor; recognition of foreign proceedings & provision of remedies; cooperation between domestic and foreign courts & domestic and foreign insolvency practioners; and coordination between two or more concurrent insolvency proceedings in different countries. The main proceeding is determined by the concept of centre of main interest .
The necessity of having Cross Border Insolvency Framework under the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code arises from the fact that many Indian companies have a global footprint and many foreign companies have presence in multiple countries including India. Although the proposed Framework for Cross Border Insolvency will enable us to deal with Indian companies having foreign assets and vice versa, it still does not provide for a framework for dealing with enterprise groups, which is still work in progress with UNCITRAL and other international bodies. The inclusion of the Cross Border Insolvency Chapter in the Insolvency and Bankruptcy Code of India, 2016, will be a major step forward and will bring Indian Insolvency Law on a par with that of matured jurisdictions.
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Special Service and Features
“Nidhi Apake Nikat” PF Near You : To be conducted on 13th September 2021
It is informed that Employees’ Provident Fund Organisation is conducting “Nidhi Apake Nikat”  at Regional office, Chennai  on 10th every month for speedy redressal of grievances of Subscribers/Employers covered under the Employees’ Provident Funds & Miscellaneous Provisions Act, 1952.
Since 10th September 2021 is a closed holiday on account of Vinayak Chathurthi, the “Nidhi Apake Nikat” for the month of September 2021 will be conducted on Monday, 13th September 2021 at the premises of Regional Office, Chennai .
The Subscribers / Pensioners / Employees who are having any grievances can walk in directly on the above said date with relevant documents for getting their grievances redressed.
This is stated in a press release issued by Shri.P.Hangsing, Regional Provident Fund Commissioner-I, Regional Office, Chennai .
Ministry of Home Affairs
Nominations for Padma Awards-2021 open till 15th September, 2020
The last date for online nominations/recommendations for the Padma Awards to be announced on the occasion of Republic Day, 2021 is tomorrow . The nominations/recommendations for Padma Awards will be received online only on the Padma Awards portal https://padmaawards.gov.in.
The Padma Awards, namely, Padma Vibhushan, Padma Bhushan and Padma Shri, are amongst the highest civilian awards of the country. Instituted in 1954, these Awards are announced on the occasion of the Republic Day every year. The award seeks to recognize ‘work of distinction’ and is given for distinguished and exceptional achievements/service in all fields/disciplines, such as, Art, Literature and Education, Sports, Medicine, Social Work, Science and Engineering, Public Affairs, Civil Service, Trade and Industry etc. All persons without distinction of race, occupation, position or sex are eligible for these Awards. Government servants including those working with PSUs, except Doctors and Scientists, are not eligible for Padma Awards.
The Government is committed to transform Padma Awards into “People’s Padma”. All citizens are therefore requested to make nominations/ recommendations including self-nomination.
The nominations/recommendations should contain all relevant details specified in the format available on the above said Padma Portal, including a citation in narrative form , clearly bringing out the distinguished and exceptional achievements/service of the person recommended in her/his respective field/discipline.
The Ministry of Home Affairs has requested all Central Ministries/Departments, States/UT Governments, Bharat Ratna and Padma Vibhushan awardees, Institutes of Excellence that concerted efforts may be made to identify talented persons whose excellence and achievements really deserve to be recognized from amongst women, weaker sections of the society, SCs & STs, divyang persons and who are doing selfless service to the society.
Further details in this regard are available under the heading 'Awards and Medals' on the website of Ministry of Home Affairs . The statutes and rules relating to these awards are available on the website with the link https://padmaawards.gov.in/AboutAwards.aspx.
PIB Headquarters
PIB’S BULLETIN ON COVID-19
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- 183.53 cr vaccine doses have been administered so far under Nationwide Vaccination Drive
- India's Active caseload currently stands at 15,378
- Active cases stand at 0.04%
- Recovery Rate currently at 98.75%
- 1,705 recoveries in the last 24 hours increases Total Recoveries to
- 4,24,85,534
- 1,259 new cases recorded in the last 24 hours
- Daily positivity rate 
- Weekly Positivity Rate 
- 78.79 cr Total Tests conducted so far; 5,77,559 tests conducted in the last 24 hours
#Unite2FightCorona #IndiaFightsCorona
PRESS INFORMATION BUREAU
MINISTRY OF INFORMATION & BROADCASTING
GOVERNMENT OF INDIA
Ministry of Commerce & Industry
Commerce Minister reviews the functioning of the GIFT Special Economic Zone
Shri Goyal interacts with industry representatives at GIFT City in Gujarat
Shri Goyal meets with representatives of Jewellery sector in Gujarat; asks them to discover competitive prices for gold through India International Bullion Exchange 
Minister meets representatives of International Financial Services Centres Authority  at GIFT City in Gujarat
Union Minister of Commerce and Industry, Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution and Textiles, Shri Piyush Goyal reviewed the functioning of the GIFT Special Economic Zone and issues with respect to regulatory aspects of operation of SEZ and the office of the DC GIFT in Gujarat.
The Minister interacted with industry representatives at GIFT City.
“Held a fruitful interaction with industry representatives at GIFT City. Discussed benefits of setting up units here. Received excellent suggestions including those on exports promotion and 'Make in India' in manufacturing”, Shri Goyal tweeted on the meeting.
The Minister had interactions at the International Bullion Exchange  in GIFT City to understand issues with respect to trading of Gold; operationalising the Gold Spot exchange and reducing the cost of gold metal loans for jewellery exporters through Gift IFSC.
“India International Bullion Exchange , GIFT City is one of its kind globally. Urged representatives of Jewellery sector to discover competitive prices for gold through IIBX. Also explained how India-UAE CEPA is a huge window of opportunity for them”, he tweeted.
He also issued directions to improve the trading of Gold on the IIBX, including enabling the utilisation of the TRQ on gold obtained in UAE FTA be operated from IIBX.
Shri Goyal met representatives of International Financial Services Centres Authority  at GIFT City and resolved various administrative issues with the office of the DC GIFT SEZ and IFSCA.
IFSCA is to participate in periodic review of exports with EPC and exporters done by the Minister to check as to how the IFSC financial infrastructure can be leveraged to increase exports.
“IFSC will be a key driver of economic growth with enhanced Ease Of Doing Business for global investors who will gain from the India growth story”, the Minister tweeted on the meeting.
Shri Goyal interacted with various heads of units in GIFT city comprising Bankers, fund managers, derivative exchange management, aviation industry representatives among others and heard their issues with allied offices of C&I, DGFT and SEZ among others.
The Minister also gave directions to Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade  to explore whether the Start up ecosystem can benefit from the facilities available at GIFT city.
Earlier in the day, the Minister had interacted with young innovators and startups at i-Hub.
“Spirit of innovation integral to Gujarat and its people. Delighted to interact with young innovators and startups at i-Hub. Shared with them how PM Narendra Modi ji's out-of-box thinking is paving the road for India's future growth”, he tweeted.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condoles the passing away of Shri Jagdish Thakkar
The Prime Minister, Shri Narendra Modi has condoled the passing away of Shri Jagdish Thakkar, the PRO in the PMO.
“Extremely saddened by the demise of Shri Jagdish Thakkar, the PRO in the PMO. Jagdishbhai was a veteran journalist and I had the pleasure of working with him for years, both in Gujarat and in Delhi. He was known for his simplicity and warm-hearted nature.
Several journalists would have regularly interacted with Jagdishbhai over the years. He had previously served with many Chief Ministers of Gujarat. We have lost a wonderful person, who loved his work and did it with utmost diligence. Condolences to his family and well wishers”, the Prime Minister said.
Prime Minister's Office
PM condemns the attack on Amarnath Yatris in J&K; speaks to J&K Governor and Chief Minister and assures all possible assistance
PM condemns the attack on Amarnath Yatris in J&K; speaks to J&K Governor and Chief Minister and assures all possible assistance
The Prime Minister Shri Narendra Modi has strongly condemned the attack on Amarnath Yatris in Jammu and Kashmir. Prime Minister has also spoken to Jammu and Kashmir Governor Shri NN Vohra and Chief Minister Ms Mehbooba Mufti and assured all possible assistance required.
"India will never get bogged down by such cowardly attacks and the evil designs of hate.
My thoughts are with all those who lost their loved ones in the attack in J&K. My prayers with the injured.
Pained beyond words on the dastardly attack on peaceful Amarnath Yatris in J&K. The attack deserves strongest condemnation from everyone.
I have spoken to the Governor and Chief Minister of J&K and assured all possible assistance required", the Prime Minister said.
Ministry of Science & Technology
A Bengali Scientist along his two other Colleagues from IISc, Bengaluru Selected as EMBO Global Investigators 2021
Kolkata, December 16, 2021
Shri Srimonta Gayen belongs to the Department of Molecular Reproduction, Development and Genetics, Indian Institute of Science , Bengaluru. His research group strives to further the understanding of the mechanism of epigenetic regulation of gene expression during early mouse and human development, through the lens of X chromosome inactivation, genomic imprinting and random monoallelic autosomal gene expression. The overall goal of his lab is to extend the knowledge from the early development to  cancer stem cell biology in order to better understand cancer pathogenesis and provide therapeutic intervention  to develop a clinical strategy to prevent the gender bias issue in babies born through in vitro fertilization  and enhancement of IVF success rate and  improving the quality of human iPSC.
Research by Scientist Shri Ramray Bhat’s group focuses on understanding the mechanisms by which cancers of the breast and ovary undergo metastasis. Of special interest, he is studying how migrating cancer cells cooperate and reorganise into multi-cellular ensembles to survive hostile body environments and penetrate through natural defence barriers.
Along with these two scientists, Shri Sandeep Eswarappa from the Department of Biochemistry of IISc, whose research focuses on translation, the process of making proteins from mRNAs by deciphering the genetic code, have been selected as EMBO Global Investigators in 2021.
EMBO is an organisation of more than 1,800 leading researchers that promotes excellence in the life sciences in Europe and beyond. The major goals of the organisation are to support talented researchers at all stages of their careers, stimulate the exchange of scientific information, and help build a research environment where scientists can achieve their best work.
Ministry of Women and Child Development
SUPPORT TO CHILDREN ORPHANED DUE TO COVID-19
The Hon'ble Prime Minister has announced PM CARES for Children scheme to support children who have lost both parents or surviving parent or legal guardian or adoptive parents due to COVID-19 pandemic. The scheme is accessible through an online portal i.e. pmcaresforchildren.in. The applications of such children are uploaded on the portal by the respective State/UT Governments. As on 31.01.2022, 6624 applications have been uploaded on the portal out of which, 3855 applications have been approved as per due process. State/ UT-wise details are at Annexure-I.
The Ministry is implementing a centrally sponsored scheme namely Child Protection Services  Scheme - Mission Vatsalya under which support is provided to States and UT Governments for delivering services for children in need of care and in difficult circumstances. The Child Care Institutions  established under the CPS scheme support inter-alia age-appropriate education, access to vocational training, recreation, health care, counselling etc. As per the scheme guidelines, quantum of sponsorship of Rs.2000/- per child per month is available for Non-institutional Care of children in Need of Care and Protection and the provision for maintenance grant of Rs.2160/- per child per month for children living in Child Care Institution. The Ministry also shared advisories and guidelines for supporting states/UTs regarding Child Care Institutions, including providing vaccination for the eligible children residing there and also mental health support to children and care givers.
This information was given by the Union Minister of Women and Child Development, Smt. Smriti Zubin Irani, in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
Ministry of Science & Technology
INSPIRE faculty fellow developing low-cost biodiesel from microalgae
While fossil fuels deplete, the fuel potential of algae residing in the vast marine environment surrounding India remains unexplored. Low-cost biodiesel from microalgae of marine origin may soon turn a reality, thanks to the efforts of a scientist who is working on biotechnological studies and tools for increasing the lipid accumulation in microalgae for biodiesel production.
Realizing the rapid depletion of petroleum-based fuels, Dr. T. Mathimani from the National Institute of Technology, Tiruchirappalli, Tamil Nadu, started exploring alternative fuels from renewable and sustainable sources. While different types of biofuels that have been explored recently, the use of microalgae has been strongly considered for the production of biofuels since they present a series of advantages over other biofuel feedstock, and this route to sustainable fuels inspired him.
His submission on techniques for enhancing Triacylglycerol content in marine microalgae towards economic biodiesel production received the "Innovation in Science Pursuit for Inspired Research  faculty fellowship instituted by the Department of Science & Technology, Govt. of India.
In his research supported by this award published in the journal ‘Chemosphere’, Dr. T. Mathimani’s and his team have isolated predominant strains of marine microalgal species namely Picochlorum sp., Scenedesmus sp., Chlorella sp., from the coastal regions of Tamil Nadu for their potential in terms of total organic carbon content, and Triacylglycerides content for biodiesel production.
They are now focusing on other microalgal candidates for their multiple biotechnological potentials and switchable polarity solvent  system based lipid extraction. SPS is an energy-efficient switchable solvent that can be recovered devoid of any thermal processes and can be reused as green solvent for algal lipid extraction with no effect on the environment. Metabolic engineering approaches can be used to escalate TAG accumulation for increasing biodiesel yield, and magnetic nanocomposite  can be used for several cycles of algal dewatering, and its treated culture suspension can be reused to scale down the biodiesel production cost significantly. These three approaches would be considered in their study for sustainable and low-cost production of biodiesel.
The group will formulate a roadmap by which biodiesel can be produced commercially and can be put in an energy market sustainably.
[Publication links: DOI: 10.1016/j.chemosphere.2019.125079 DOI: 10.1016/j.bcab.2019.101179
For more details, contact Dr. T. Mathimani .]
Ministry of Defence
Seminar on Certification And Qualification of Airborne Stores
Supporting the Private Sector to Promote
Indigenous R&D and Manufacturing
The Indian Air Force  is organising a seminar in partnership with the Society of Indian Defence Manufactures  on the topic of "Certification and Qualification of Airborne Stores: Supporting the Private Sector to promote Indigenous R&D and Manufacturing". This Seminar will be conducted during the DefExpo 2022 on 19 October 2022 from 2:00 pm to 4:30 pm, at Hall 3, Mahatma Mandir Convention and Exhibition Centre, Gandhinagar, Gujarat.
India's Aerospace industry is strategically important and is also a symbol of the Nation's technical prowess and self-reliance. In view of the recent initiatives to enhance self-reliance in the aerospace domain, there is an enormous opportunity for the Indian industry to join the global supply chain in aerospace manufacturing. The topic of Certification and qualification of Airborne Stores, conforming to global standards, is therefore need of the hour.
As part of the IAF's focus on 'Make in India', this seminar aims to enable a better understanding of the process of certification and qualification requirements in respect of airborne stores. The discussions will focus on the role of the certification and qualification agencies in this process. The Seminar will also discuss the aspirations and expectations of the Indian industry, as well as the current challenges that lie ahead in its endeavour to become part of the global value chain in the aerospace sector. The discussions would comprise panelists who are experts in the field of certification, quality assurance, as well as industry representatives who would put forth their perspectives. The discussion will be followed by a question & answer session. The seminar will benefit Start-Ups, MSMEs, members of industry interested in aerospace sector, academia, innovators, and professionals dealing with production, qualification and certification for Airborne Stores.